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Letters: Vote 'yes' on the MAU budget

Posted:
02/27/2013 11:45:54 AM EST

On March 5 voters in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury
and Woodford will be asked to vote on the budget that will support
the operation of the Mount Anthony High School and the Mount Anthony
Middle School.

Each year it is the responsibility of the Mount Anthony Board, with
the help of the administration and teachers in each school, to
present to the voters a budget that represents their best effort to
combine the educational needs of the schools and the economic reality
of our community. As costs continue to rise the schools have a
responsibility to meet their contractual obligations, maintain their
facilities and meet the needs of the students. If the schools are to
meet the expectations of students, parents and the community it must
have the staff and materials to do this.

During the past several years the number of students who need more
than the regular classroom can offer has increased. With this
increase has come added costs. In the past schools have relied on
federal grants, state aid and other sources of income to offset the
added cost. Unfortunately much of this aid is no longer available and
now must be taxed to the local property owner.

Also in recent years the schools have fully realized their
responsibility to give each student the tools he or she needs to
succeed in school and in what they do after school. The
administration and teachers are committed to increase the reading and
math skills of all students. To do this each school has instituted
programs to help students who do not meet the standards set by the
state.

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Literacy teachers and math specialist have been hired to work
with students and fellow teachers to improve these skills. There are
several programs and classes available to students who have
difficulty learning in a traditional classroom environment.

We can all be proud of what our schools have accomplished during the
past few years. Our graduates now attend some of the most competitive
and prestigious colleges including Harvard, Princeton and Williams.
More students who are taking the Advance Placement exams are scoring
high enough so that they receive college credit. Students are doing
community work both here in Vermont and in central American
countries. Our graduation rate has increased, attendance has improved
and atmosphere within the schools has clearly shown that students
recognize the importance of getting an education. There is always
more to do and to do that we need your support of the budget.
Please vote YES on the MAU budget.

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